称赞

• Pinyin: chēng zàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 称 = 禾 (grain) + 尔 (phonetic), meaning to call or weigh; 赞 = 贝 (shell/money) + 兟 (phonetic), meaning to praise

Meaning

To praise; to commend. Expressing approval and admiration for someone's actions, work, or character.

A moderately formal word for praising someone. More respectful and deliberate than casual compliments like 夸. Often used to describe public or authoritative recognition of good performance.

Examples

1. 老师称赞他的作文写得很好。 The teacher praised his essay for being very well written.
2. 她的工作表现受到了大家的称赞。 Her work performance received everyone's praise.
3. 邻居们都称赞他是一个好孩子。 All the neighbours praise him for being a good child.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, social, everyday

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 大家都称赞他的勇敢行为。(Everyone praised his brave actions.)
• 她经常受到领导的称赞。(She is often commended by her supervisors.)

Don't Say

• 我称赞这个菜好吃 (Don't use 称赞 when you are the one praising casually — say 觉得好吃 or 夸; 称赞 is more about public or formal praise)

Origin & History

称 means to call or name; 赞 means to praise or support. Together they mean to name someone as praiseworthy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal